629’s price checks and opinions

[makeminestainless]

I've had a 610 6.5" 10mm Classic for a couple of years now and as an iron sighted gun it seems to fit me great and I shoot it very well. On me it is also a great size to carry in the field. I can't shoot nearly as accurate with 4" guns and I find 8" guns and especially revolvers with a scope "get in the way". I don't plan to get rid of the 610 but I would like something a little more powerful to go along with it. A local store I frequent has some 44-magnum 629's in stock (for once) and I have choices I would appreciate opinions on.

629-6 new gun 6" half lug. This gun is the current production with the lock - $730

629-6 6.5" Classic Power-port used gun - $600

629 no dash P&R 6" half lug -$700

Both of the used guns are in really great shape.

On this site I know the 629 no dash will be fawned over greatly for good reason. The problem is I plan to use this gun to shoot and hunt with. I don't plan to use 300 grain bullets in it but fully loaded 240's and 270's are definitely on the list. Without the endurance package and with spare parts rare I'm thinking this may not be my best choice. Not to mention it would be a crime to put wear and tear on such a beauty.

That leaves the new gun and the PP model, are either of these at an OK price? What is the opinion on the PP? I've heard complaints of increased noise and I haven't shot one before but I have shot Taurus ported revolvers and really could not tell much difference. The gasses go up right? Not like a muzzle break that bring the gasses back towards you. I'm not so sure of the partridge site on it either. I like the red ramp and outlined rear. For those that have used them what is the opinion?

It's a lot of information to chew on and the advice to wait for other deals would also be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[bamabiker]

Hum, I don't know how much I can help. I've never shot a ported gun and I don't own a gun with a lock. That said, my opinion is I'd go with the ported gun just because it's $130 cheaper. If the gun is going to be used for hunting I think either will serve you well. If the lock bothers you remove it. The ported gun is a full lug? That will help with recoil also.
Ya, I'd go with the ported gun. JMO.

 

[cobra44]

Hello
The no lock gun is a little expensive compared to my area. I am not sure what the new ones are going for around here.
Used 629's are usually in the 500.00 to 650.00 range (no lock), unless you are going with a 2 1/2 or 3 inch model, then the price is more.
Many people on here are not a fan of PP revolvers. I have shot them, but I really do not see much difference in the recoil.
The 629's are nice revolvers. The endurance package is a plus, but none of mine have it.
Hope this helps.

 

[jt1]

I don't care for a ported gun for hunting because it leaves my ears ringing for days. If you want to wear ear protection I guess it would be OK.

I would look for a 629-4. They have all the endurance package, usually have tighter throats if you want to shoot cast, and accept a scope easily if you want one. They were made in half lug versions if you like that, and also the full lug classic models, which shoot very well.

John

 

[okie john]

I don't see any great deals there, so I'd hold off.

Here's something to consider: Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5. About halfway down the page, you'll see: "...a 260 Keith slug at 900 fps...will consistently shoot length ways and exit on mule deer and antelope at 100 yards." That's VERY interesting, especially coming from the guy who developed the 475 and 500 Linebaugh cartridges.

It sounds like you'll hunt with iron sights, so your shots will be close. If you follow Mr. Lineabugh's advice, you'd be fine with a 240-grain SWC at 1,000-1,100 fps.

I mention this only because any Model 29/629 ever made will handle loads like that forever. Whether a particular gun has the Endurance Package becomes irrelevant. And if you want a 29/629 at a good price, watch the classified ads here. They turn up all the time in pretty much every flavor ever made.



Okie John

 

[Snapping Twig]

I'd be on the P&R 629 fast.

In our area, that's a good price, add to that it's a rare P&R SS 29!

YMMV, but that's what I'd do.

 

[ErnieDeBord]

I would make a 650 cash offer on the P&R bet you could take it home and would NEVER regret it